Fleets failing to tackle driver distraction

A large number of fleets are still not taking action on driver distraction despite the fact that it’s a factor in a significant number of crashes.

A recent survey by Brake and Direct Line revealed many drivers admit to performing distracting secondary tasks

Research carried out by Brake across a variety of fleets found that only 71% of respondents have implemented policies aimed at preventing driver distraction at the wheel.

More than a quarter (26%) of the fleets surveyed don’t run any driver education/ awareness sessions, either face-to-face or online, aimed at the topic of driver distraction. And of the fleets surveyed that have driver distraction policies in place, less than a third (32%) include restrictions on the use of hands-free phones, despite the risk of distraction.

DfT stats show that in 2016, out of 1,445 fatal crashes in Britain that resulted in one or more deaths, the police recorded 397 incidences of the contributory factor of “failure to look” and a further 140 incidences of the contributory factors of driver in-vehicle distractions, distractions outside the vehicle and phone use.

Ross Moorlock, business development director at Brake, said: “While many are aware of the risks of distraction, this needs to be better reflected in company policy, as well as through the introduction of best practice initiatives, evidenced-based interventions, effective driver education and data monitoring.”

Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for 16 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. As Business Editor, Natalie ensures the group websites and newsletters are updated with the latest news.